The effect of aqueous extract of Launaea acanthodes (Boiss.) O. Kuntze on the serum levels of insulin and blood glucose and histomorphological changes of pancreas in diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that appears by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion and pancreatic function. Considering the properties of the Launaea acanthodes, this study aimed to examine the effects of this plant on serum level of insulin and blood glucose and histomorphological changes of pancreas in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 27 male rats were allocated into the equal groups of control, diabetic control and experimental diabetic. The diabetes in diabetic control and experimental diabetic groups was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. The experimental diabetic group received the aqueous extract of L. acanthodes (300 mg/kg, ip) in alternate days for one month. Sterile distilled water was injected to the animals of control and diabetic control groups. The serum levels of insulin and blood glucose were measured on days 1, 15 and 30. Histological studies were performed to determine the number and diameter of the pancreatic islets. Results: On days 15 and 30 of the experiment, injection of the L. acanthodes extract caused a significant decrease and increase in the serum level of glucose and insulin, respectively compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean number and diameter of pancreatic islets were significantly increased in the diabetic experimental compared to the diabetic control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The extract of L. acanthodes can increase the serum insulin and the mean number and diameter of pancreatic islets and decrease the blood glucose in diabetic rats.